BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 23, 2017)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

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Volume VIII, No. 91

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Market Indicators As of 6:00 pm Dec. 22, 2017 (Friday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P50.245

8,432.31

5.1 cents

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54.03 points

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Kabuhayan project TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental -- Department of Labor and Employment Eastern Misamis Oriental (DOLE-EMO) conducted a two-day Enterprise Management Enhancement Seminar cum Livelihood Projects Assessment to 30 associations in Tagoloan Misamis Oriental.

“DOLE conducted this seminar to help sustain the livelihood projects or businesses we granted financially. We do not cease to extend our support and assistance from the time of release of the grant until the businesses prosper,” said DOLE- 10 EMO PFO Chief Errol A. Natividad.

Natividad discussed the salient features of Department Order No. 173, Series of 2017 or the revised guidelines in the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), particularly on the Kabuhayan Program component.

Temporary shelters TASK Force (TF) Bangon Marawi will turn over 500 temporary shelters on Dec. 27, the Office of Civil Defense said Friday.

In a statement, the office said the TF “will soon turn over 500 transitional shelters to identified recipient families of Brgy. Sagonsongan, Marawi City.”

The office noted the ceremony will be presided by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The local government of Marawi City will also present the beneficiary list to the task force this Friday.

Around 18,000 families have returned to their respective communities in Marawi City.

IN-DEPTH

Saturday | December 23, 2017

P15.00

Cagayan de Oro Lapasan Highway, Cagayan de Oro City

Hundreds flee homes as ‘Vinta’ batters CDO

By JIGGER JERUSALEM, PNA

A

S severe Tropical Storm Vinta made a landfall in Davao Oriental early Friday morning, hundreds of families residing in floodprone areas in Cagayan de Oro City left their homes and sought shelter in various evacuation centers. vinta/PAGE 11

NATURE’S WRATH. Rampaging floodwaters brought about by tropical storm ‘Vinta’ overflow the Cagayan de Oro River (above) yesterday morning submerging hundreds of houses situated near the river banks (right photos). (photos courtesy of rhoel chaves condeza, city information office)

1 killed as flashfloods hit Agusan Sur towns

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Contributing Editor

SAN FRANCISCO,Agusan del Sur -Flashfloods brought by Tropical Storm “Vinta” battered through three towns in the southern part of Agusan del Sur killing one

person who drowned to death by rampaging floodwaters in Bunawan town on Friday morning. killed/PAGE 11

Banks issue holiday advisories LECHON IN THE FLOOD. Two lechoneros carrying a roasted pig (lechon) wade through chestdeep floodwater in the wake of the onslaught of tropical storm “Vinta” in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday. (photo by terrence maceren)

LOOK: Lechoneros wade thru floodwater in Cagayan de Oro

By ROM DULFO, PNA

NOT even tropical storm “Vinta” can ruin Christmas

in Cagayan de Oro City.

On Friday, Dec. 22, as “Vinta” crossed Northern Mindanao, two lechoneros

were captured carrying a lechon (roasted pig) amid the rising floodwater in look/PAGE 11

SELECT branches of Sy-led Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) will be operating on shortened hours for several days this coming Christmas holidays.

In an advisory, BDO said shortened banking hours in selected mall branches would be up on December 24 and 31 and on December 30 for those operating on Saturdays.

On December 25 and on January 1, 2018, all branches will be closed.

However, all branches

will be on regular operating hours from December 26 to 29 and on January 2, 2018, the bank said.

BDO clients can access the full list of the bank’s branches operating hours during the holidays through its website.

Malacanang has declared December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018 as holidays for government employees and students.

UCPB, in an advisory, said all its branches will also advisories/PAGE 11

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Economy

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200 OSY in Bukidnon qualify JobStart Philippines program

M

ANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon -- Some 210 out of school youth applicants from the province of Bukidnon were accepted to join the next batch of JobStart Philippines program.

JobStart Philippines program is an employment facilitation initiative of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with funding support from the Government

of Canada and technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program seeks to assist young and unemployed Filipinos start their careers and find meaningful employment.

Department of Labor and Employment Bukidnon (DOLEBukidnon) Chief Raul L. Valmores explained further that it mainly aims to enhance the knowledge and skills acquired by jobseekers

in formal education or technical training in order for them to become more responsive to the demands of the labor market. It will also help the youth develop their life skills, including those relevant to the values of professionalism and work appreciation, and provide trainees with conducive and safe work environment or venue where they can apply relevant theories and proper work ethics.

Likewise, this program

is designed to improve the capacity of Public Employment and Services Office (PESOs) in providing full-cycle employment facilitation services.

The program covers those at-risk youth – outof-school, unemployed, and poor. Qualifications must be a Filipino citizen, 18-24 years old, at least high school level, should not be currently employed, not in education nor training, and, has no or less than

one year work experience.

The program has three phases: first is the Life Skills Training (LST), second is the Technical Training, and last is the internship.

Valmores further shared that it was a onestop process since aside from its involvement in the registration process, it also provides orientation about the program, thereafter. Those who were not able to qualify were endorsed to other employment facilitation

programs of the PESO. Meanwhile, the qualified youth were interviewed

by DOLE-10, PESO, and JobStart Project Coordinators. Some 210 applicants were accepted from the 250 registrants.

JobStart Program applicant Emerlyhance to find a decent work nowadays, especially that there are more qualified applicants and college graduates. I am very much confident that JobStart will boost jobstart/PAGE 11

PhilHealth members avail ‘No Hospital Deposit’ in CDO RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation Regional Office 10 (PhilHealth 10) signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with six Cagayan de Oro City PhilHealth-accredited hospitals on December 8, 2017 at SEDA Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, that provides for a No Hospital Deposit Policy for PhilHealth members.

Dr. Ruben Go of Medical Director of CDO Polymedic Plaza, Dr. Miguel E. Kho of Madonna and Child Hospital, Dr. Jesus M. Jardin of Capitol University Medical Center,

Mr. Dexter R. Garcia of Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, Dr. Michael C. Sabal of Sabal Hospital, SPC Sr. Mercy Corazon G. Bangot of Maria Reyna XU Hospital and Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr., Area Vice-President for Mindanao signed the historic document.

The partnership was sealed in the presence of CDO City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Atty. Carlo Franco Thomas Limjoco of Department of Health Region 10 (DOH 10), City Councilor Dr. Ma. Lourdes S. Gaane, Health Care Delivery Management

Division-PRO 10 Chief Dr. Jonathan T. Ortigoza, Deputy Legal Officer of PRO 10 Atty. Ian Alfredo T. Magno.

The MOA seeks to strengthen Republic Act no. 10932, or the “No Hospital Deposit Law.” It mandates that, “in emergency or serious cases, it shall be unlawful for any hospital or medical clinic to request, solicit, demand or accept any deposit or any other form of advance payment as prerequisite for administering basic emergency care, for philhealth/PAGE 11

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Opinion

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Christmas is for those who strayed away from Jesus Kakampi mo ang batas

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

ALLAN mario MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA

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Joe felicilda

Vice President for Administration

JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO

Vice President for Events and Promotions

joe palabao

Vice President for Marketing

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

gilbert y. chao Motoring Editor

JUN AYENSA

Regional Editor - Caraga

Cris diaz ATTY. antonio s. soriano mike baños 2f, ICS Building BONG FABE Tel.No.: 881-0176 Uriel quilinguing Tiano cor. Montalvan sts.

Contributing Editors Legal Counsel CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI

ABEGAIL BAYNOSA Sandra encoY

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

Cell No: 09352379999

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Batas Mauricio LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called… Mighty God, Everlasting Father…”

(Isaiah 9:2, 6, the Holy Bible).

-ooo C H R I S T M A S : FULFILLMENT OF ALL PROPHECIES ABOUT JESUS: We continue to

manila office: 9th Floor, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino Cor. Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. # : 5555392,Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido-Marketing Manager

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation every Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City.

It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CS201531633 with BIR Certificate of Registration No. 2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463-826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 2017-02942. Tel. Nos.: (088)856-3344, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424 Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

Oro Chamber

No place like home think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…It’s true, “There’s no place like home.”

In fact, our whole identity, who we are and how we see ourselves, and others, mainly comes from our family. They say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” The kind of life we live is largely influenced by our family.

From the time we’re born it’s our family’s example we naturally follow. Home is where we learn about love, life, and laughter. As someone said: “Happiness is home-made.” It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, because a small house will hold as much happiness as a big mansion.

But sadly, many homes are not loving and happy. As one sad guy said: “The first half of my life was ruined by my parents, and the second half by my children.” A

best-selling book entitled, It Takes A Village, says that raising children is the job of the community. But the reason some people expect the government and community to raise their children is because their marriage and family has broken down. Millions of families are destroyed by divorce, adultery, greed for money, selfish parents who put themselves first before their own children, domestic violence, alcoholism, teenage pregnancies, drugs, and many other things.

The simple fact is there is no substitute for the family.

A child’s need for security, love, and acceptance from both parents will never change. God designed us all to grow up in a family with both a father and a mother who love each other and us without conditions, and who teach us right and wrong. This is the way our character is shaped and built so we become healthy, happy and successful.

But if you’re one of the millions who did not grow up in a happy, loving family, you can join a new family today by asking Jesus Christ to forgive you and take charge of your life. hurst/PAGE 11

there that all the prophecies about Jesus made through the prophet Isaiah all came true.

-ooo CHRISTMAS IS FOR THOSE WHO STRAYED AWAY F R O M J E S U S : What could have been the possible reason why God had to proclaim His coming to earth in the form of man, with flesh and blood, at the time of Isaiah? The reason is that, during those times, the faith of many of God’s own people in Judah became very weak, causing them to turn their backs on God and on His commands.

This weakness or lack of faith in God of His own people was shown by their ruler then, King Ahaz. Ahaz and all of Judah came to know that two kingdoms bigger than them were preparing to attack them, and transform them into slaves. Because of this, Ahaz became very afraid, as well as his kingdom. In

their fear, they were like tall trees being heavily swayed by the winds.

God saw this fear of Ahaz and his constituents. He then sent Isaiah and the latter’s son, to tell Ahaz and his people that they should not be afraid because the plan to attack them will not happen.

Ahaz, with his weak faith and all, did not believe, so Isaiah said, God Himself will give a sign.

-ooo CHRISTMAS: GOD HIMSELF CAME TO EARTH IN THE FORM OF MAN: The sign that Isaiah talked about can now be read in Isaiah 7:14, and this pertains to God manifesting or incarnating Himself as man, through concededly human processes---which means, He will be conceived and then subsequently born from a woman, in the form of man, with flesh and blood, although He is not truly man. batas/PAGE 11

Christmas evokes memories have my say

Member: Philippine Press Institute

dwell today on stories about Christmas, or the coming to earth of God, whose Name is Jesus, in the form of man with flesh and blood, to grant us salvation from hell since He Himself accepted in His holy flesh, holy blood and Holy Spirit, the punishment that we deserve because of our sinfulness.

Did you know that one of the prophecies about the coming of God to earth in human likeness was made by God Himself, through the prophet Isaiah some 1,000 years or so before He actually came here? We can read these prophecies in Isaiah 7:1-14 and Isaiah 9:2 and 6 of the Bible.

If there are still doubters out there who continue to entertain disbelief about the subsequent occurrence of these prophecies, I suggest that they read Matthew 1:1825 of the Bible, so they can be enlightened because there is an express declaration

klaus doring Ye s , C h r i s t m a s e v o k e s memories and sentiments that travel with us like treasured gifts of our hearts.

It is the time for reflection of the past year and of things we’ve done to make a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully, we did.

Several years ago already, Elvie Punzalan-Estavillo, f e l l ow P h i l i p p i n e S t a r columnist voiced it out

very well. It’s indeed a time for thanksgiving for the blessings received, and for the trials and pains that helped shape, strengthen, and mold us to become better persons.

“Hay nako” - the typical Philippine expression, I adopted many times since living in the Philippines for good. What on earth am I here for?

The more I look around, the more people I’m able to observe: stranded people, still having the optimistic smile on their faces. People, who are losing more and more of their bearings and are getting muddled in their lives.

If political leaders confuse us more instead of leading us on the right way, we cry out for a satisfying answer through the institution

church.

Modesty will never get them what they actually deser ve. Charity and brotherly or sisterly love, as the bible teaches us, are becoming foreign terms.

Moral and human values are badly needed to drive and out energy and vigor in our daily life as we stroll into painful indifference and sharp-peppered egoism.

Our daily ill feelings regarding all parts of our life can’t be or can’t remain as a permanent state of affairs.

Incompetent and incapable leaders, who are still being able to continue in their own monstrous, unhindered and impertinent style are every country’s poison and reason for decline.

During the last weeks, as in every year, I received innumerable religious and

philosophical literature and invitation from several institutions. I must confess, that I have been confused many times. I am sorry and I really wish to apologize, if I reject most “of this stuff ”, and, if I decide NOT to answer such emails or text messages. Sure, it’s is Christmas time, but... .

May the love and humility the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signified remain etched in our hearts. Let not the frenetic gift-giving and seemingly endless merriment becloud the pristine message that Christmas imparts. +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail. com. or visit: germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com or follow me in FacebookLinkedIn or Twitter

Our creation a work in progress hints and traces

roy cimagala We need to realize this fundamental truth about ourselves. Our creation and redemption is a work in progress until death. Our whole lifetime is the time in God’s eternity that is meant for this purpose.

In other words, up to this time, God in Christ with the Holy Spirit is shaping and directing our life, is always interacting with us, is showing us the way of how we ought to be, how we ought to behave and react to all situations in our life,

good or bad.

It’s a pity that many of us do not realize this truth of our faith and, therefore, fail to do our part in our own creation and redemption.

Remember St. Augustine lamenting about this fact.

“You were with me, but I was not with you.”

He also said that “God created us without us, but he did not will to save us without us.” These words imply that our creation by God includes his work of our salvation. This truth of our faith has basis on what St. Paul once said: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1,6) We need to be aware that we have to cooperate with God in our own creation and redemption. In a sense, we are co-creators and coredeemers with God. This is precisely because God created us in his image and likeness, and endowed us

with the spiritual faculties of intelligence and will that will enable us to be elevated to the supernatural order.

We therefore participate i n t h e l i fe an d i n t h e operations of God in a very intimate way. While all creatures come from God and belong to God, we, as human persons created in his image and likeness and his adopted children, are meant to share in his life in a very intimate way as well as to get involved in his operations.

This is a truth of our faith that we need to process well in our mind and heart so we can develop the proper attitude and virtues. In every situation, let’s always remember that Christ is actually showing us how to handle things, how to react to events, etc.

We should never be just on our own. Our autonomy or freedom should never be understood that we are just

on our own, or that God has nothing to do with us.

Our freedom also comes from God and can only be properly lived if lived with God and according to his laws.

In fact, we should always be trying not only to be in constant presence of God but also to continually find and follow his will. In this we have to exert determined effort as Christ himself told us: “Ask and it shall be given you. Seek and you shall find.

Knock and it shall be opened to you. For everyone that asks receives. And he that seeks finds. And to him that knocks, it shall be opened.”

(Mt 7,7-8) L e t ’s h o p e t h a t we can develop the appropriate lifestyle that would incor p orate t his understanding of this basic truth of our faith that God continues to create and cimagala/PAGE 11

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CorporateWorld

DTI assures stable supply of Noche Buena products T HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured the public that the supply of Noche Buena products remains stable.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said there is no reported shortage of Noche Buena products in the market, a few days

before Christmas Day. This week is crucial in ensuring the supply of Noche Buena items as demand for these products increases during these days, he said.

With the stable supply of these products, there should be no surge in prices of Noche Buena

goods in the market.

Lopez said that the agency had been active in market monitoring to assure that the supply and prices of Noche Buena items are stable.

DTI’s Consumer Protection Group, led by Undersecretary Teodoro Pascua, had its special market monitoring

activity Thursday morning on Noche Buena products in Manila.

The products being monitored by the DTI include ham, sandwich spread, elbow and salad macaroni, mayonnaise, pasta, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, fruit cocktail, cheese, queso de bola, and creamer. (PNA)

Hyundai to close 2017 with 37,500 unit sales HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, expects to close 2017 with 37,500 units or 9.8 percent higher than the 33,695 units sold in 2016.

Data from HARI showed that as of November this year, its sales went up by 12 percent increase in sales in the first 11 months of the year bringing its year to date sales to 34,025 units from 30,469 units in January-November, 2016 period.

Given this bright

prospect, HARI expects to close 2017 with combined PC and CV sales of 37,500 units, solidly contributing to the automotive industry’s yearend target of 450,000 units.

“2017 proved to be upbeat for Hyundai, reflecting our driven and empowered industry.

We expect to maintain this growth momentum, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the economy for 2017,” said HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

Company data showed that the passenger car (PC) segment grew by 7 percent

from 21,637 to 23,167 units sold, with top-selling Accent at the forefront with a phenomenal 34% growth from 11,156 to 14,899 units sold.

Likewise, sales of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rose by 23 percent, from 8,832 to 10,858 units sold. Flagship vehicle Grand Starex remains the biggest contributor with 14% growth, from 3,371 to 3,832 units sold.

Meanwhile, the trusty H-100 made a huge comeback with 59 percent growth, from 1,927 units to 3,066 units sold, capping the segment’s

impressive performance and underscoring Hyundai’s commitment to empower local entrepreneurs with reliable and versatile mobility solutions.

Agudo further noted positive factors that buoyed automotive sales this year. Foremost, she cited the domestic economy’s growth of 6.9 percent in the third quarter, surpassing expectations, on the back of increased public spending and furthered by advancements in the service and industry sectors.

5 When you’re in Davao City, Read:

HOTELS & RESORTS DIRECTORIES

VILLA MARGARITA HOTEL J. P Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, Philippines Tel. No.: (082) 221-5674 / Fax No. (082) 226-2968 MICROTEL

By Wyndham Davao Damosa Gateway Complex Angliongto Rd., Lanang Davao City 8000, Philippines Tel +63 82 233 2333 / Mobile +63 917 795 3548 www.microtelphilippines.com PINNACLE HOTEL Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City.

No. (082) 300-5885 Telefax: 300-1881/ 221-3025 Website: www.thepinnaclehotel.com ALU HOTEL M. Roxas Avenue corner Padre Faura Street, Davao City.

Tel No (63 82) 221-5232 / Mobile (O943) 652 3927 Email: aluhoteldavao@yahoo.com info@alu-hotel.com / www.alu-hotel.com GRAND REGAL Km 7 Lanang, Davao City, Philippines Tel. 235-0888 / Fax 235-2335 email: grandregalhotelegmail.com

VIAJEROS ECONOMY HOTEL Patnubay St., Sandawa, Matina, D.C Tel. No. 297-5710 / Telefax (6382) 298-5134 Mobile: 0922.-8268425 Website: www.viajeroseconomyinn.com

ROYAL MANDAYA HOTEL J.Palma Gil St., Davao City 8000 Phils.

Tel. No. (082) 225-8888 / fax No. (082) 225-1885 info@theroyalrmandayahotel.com www.theroyalmandayahotel.com HOMITORI Bangoy Street corner Santa Ana Avenue, Davao City Tel. No. (082) 295-2969 & 295-2471 / Mobile: (0922) 8994646 Email: homitoridvo@gmail.com or Like us on www.facebook.com/pages/Homitori-Davao BIG APPLE HOTEL Brgy. Angliongto, Lanang, D.C. Hotline Nos.: (082) 234-8459 Facebook account: bigapplehotel@ymail.com Email: bigapple_hotel@ymail.com

I-STAND Christmas recital in pictures PHOTO ESSAY BY MARK FRANCISCO

ON December 18, the Integrated School for Theaters Arts N’ Dance (I-STAND) held its midyear recital. Located in Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, I-STAND offers ballet and contemporary dance courses year-round. Following are pictures of the event.

THE PERIDOT SUITES Carmelite Drive, Lanang, Davao City Tel. no.: (082) 305-6530 / Fax no.: (082) 305-38I2 Email: theperidotsuiles@gmail.com AZIENDA MEO APARTELLE 11 Corner Pioneer and Doña Vicenta Village, Phase 1, Davao City Telefax. No: (082) 227-4119 & 284-6689 Cell Phone No. 09256652626 Website: www.aziendameo.com Email Add: aziendameo@yahoo.com.ph Big 8 Corporate Hotel Visayan Village, National Highway, Tagum City Mobile nos. 09173029063 & 09328539372 Tel. No.: (084)216-0888 Email: info@big8corporatehotel.com www.facebook.com/big8corporatehotel.com www.big8corporatehotel.com HOTEL ELENA Avenida Santos Ave., Nova Tierra Vill, Lanang, D.C Tel. Nos. (082) 233-1941 & 305.8799 / fax No. (082) 233-1887 PARADISE ISLAND Tel. No. (082) 233-0251 & 300-2343 / CP No.: 09209546780 E-mail: paradiseislanddavao@gmail.com MARCO POLO DAVAO C.M Recto St., Davao City davao@marcopolohotels.com www.marcopolohotels.com (63 82) 221-0888 HOTEL ESSE Brgy. 9-A F Torres Street, Davao City Hotline: No: 227-37-73 / Fax: 295-34-85 Website: www.hotelessedavao.com.ph Email Add: hotel_esse_davao@yahoo.com RUEMANGO APARTELLE & SUITES 516 Mangga St., Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City ruemangoapartelleandsuites@gmail.com www.ruemango.com Tel. Nos.: (082) 295-7175/ 295-7180

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Environment

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saturday|december 23, 2017

DENR 10, partners firm up strategies on anti-illegal logging campaign for 2018

S

trategies on the antiillegal logging campaign in Northern Mindanao were shared by members of the Regional Anti-illegal Logging Task Force (RAILTF) during a year-end assessment led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10) in Cagayan de Oro City recently.

Newly-designated DENR 10 Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable said there is a

need for the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices to further strengthen its partnership with the military, police, Department of Interior and Local Government and local government units in the enforcement of forestry laws.

He recognized the efforts of the military, police and other partners in the crusade to protect and conserve our natural resources.

“I am thankful to our partners for their commitment and support to the DENR 10,” he added.

Director Adorable also instructed the DENR 10 offices to maximize the work of the lawyers to pursue cases against violator of forestry laws.

For her part, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, lawyer Florenda Lamason – Yap exhorted the PENROs and CENROs to conduct trainings

to capacitate DENR partners in their work.

She further encouraged DENR 10 forest protection employees to continually coordinate with their partners to have an effective forest protection campaign.

As of December 15, 2017, the DENR 10 has confiscated logs, lumber, flitches and other forest products with a total volume 146,001.80 board feet (bd. ft.) and estimated value of which is P4,919,967.43.

The Provincial

DENR Office of Misamis Oriental has confiscated 47,645.94 bd. ft. of forest products with an estimated value of P1,625,254.60; Bukidnon with 34,865.72 bd. ft. with an estimated value of P1,522,076.66; Lanao del Norte – 22,529.57 bd. ft. with an estimated value of P1,317,193.85; Misamis Occidental – 32,159.27 bd. ft. with an estimated value of P286,600.77; and Camiguin – 8,801.30 bd. ft. with an estimated

value of P168,841.55.

A total of 35 units of trucks and other conveyances with an estimated value of P13,555,548.66 were confiscated regionwide.

Forester Nestor B. Agosto, Chief of the Enforcement Division welcomed the participants to the year-end assessment.

He said the RAILTF-10 has conducted meetings and deputized 25 personnel as forest protection officers. (RPAO # 12433-2017)

Manicani residents folding their camp and belongings as they end their encampment outside DENR Central Office. Photo by Jerico Catalla/PMPI.

Hopeful Manicani Residents fold camp in front of DENR following dialogue with Sec. Cimatu Quezon City - The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), welcomes the positive outcome of the dialogue between Secretary Roy Cimatu of DENR and Protect Manicani Island Society Inc. (PROMISI) last December 11, 2017. In assuring the members of PROMISI that the island is already protected by law and by promising support to livelihood and rehabilitation of the island, campers decided to fold the camp and head back home to bring the good news to the islanders for Christmas.

The dialogue, facilitated by the Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan took place a month after PROMISI started camping out in front of the DENR gates adding pressure for the dialogue to happen. ​ Marcial Somooc, President of PROMISI, stressed that, “...while the Secretary has not issued an official document in agreement with our demands, we hold his words during the dialogue that the DENR recognizes Manicani Island as part of the Guiuan Protected Area.​This is

a Christmas present that we will bring back to our family and communities.​“ In 1994, two years after the issuance of the contested and now expired MPSA of Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC), Guiuan, Eastern Samar was declared a Protected Seascape/ Landscape through Presidential Proclamation 469 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos.

The said HMC MPSA was also suspended by DENR in 2002 and was never lifted since.

Rebecca Destajo, stated that, “After 25 years of struggle against HMC’s mining operations, this is just the beginning of our victory.

Despite the many obstacles and hindrances that came our way, let this day be a happy one to mark our victory against destructive mining. The DENR Secretary’s words do not totally guarantee protection of our island but his recognition of it as a protected area is a good start.”​She thanked all the support groups for the unwavering commitment to their cause. ​ Mr. F ​ edelino Atrejenio of

United Manicani Residents in Metro Manila urged his fellow Manicanians, “Not to lose hope.

That in going home, they bring with them the promise of DENR Sec. Cimatu that he will protect the island since it’s already part of a protected area​“. ​​With support from various groups, the PROMISI had been calling for the non-renewal of Hinatuan Mining Corporation’s (HMC) Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA); ban on any new mining permit covering Manicani Island; upholding of the NIPAS Law which includes Manicani Island; and the Ban on Open-Pit Mining issued last year by DENR. ​On the other hand, the Concerned Citizens of Sta. Cruz (CCOS), also a group whose hometown of Sta. Cruz in Zambales is besieged by six mining companies of which four MPSAs were already suspended

by DENR joined SAMAMO/ PROMISI’s encampment last November 30. The group’s leader Dr. Ben Molino said they will Manicani/PAGE 11

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saturday|december 23, 2017

Banking&Finance

Peso up on tax reform law signing; PSEi down

S

IGNING into law of the PHP3.767trillion 2018 national budget further lifted the Philippine peso Tuesday while the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined for the second day in a row on fears of the impact of the tax reform act.

The local cuurency finished the day at 50.29 from 50.39 a day ago.

A trader said investors

are also happy with the signing of the first package of tax reform, which cut personal income tax, impact of which on government revenues would be countered by higher excise taxes of several items like fuel.

For the day, the local currency opened at 50.25, a big jump from the 50.43 a day ago.

It traded between 50.34 and 50.25, resulting to an

average of 50.30.

Volume for the day reached USD490.80 million, lower than the USD604.7 million Tuesday.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 50.20 and 50.40 Thursday.

On the other hand, the main equities index finished the day’s trade at 8,362.61 points, down 0.04 percent or 3.35 percent.

The broader All Shares followed after it fell 0.17

percent, or 8.52 points, to 4,893.62 points.

Half of the sectors also shed during the day, led by the Property with 0.44 percent and followed by the Financials, 0.18 percent; and Holding Firms, 0.02 percent.

Volume for the day reached 830.54 million shares amounting to PHP5.26 billion.

Losers led gainers at 110 to 84 while 50 shares were unchanged. (PNA)

BSP, BoT sign deal on banking supervision THE CENTRAL BANKS of the Philippines and Thailand have signed a cooperation deal on banking supervision, as the two nations are currently in talks for cross-border banking.

In a statement, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and his counterpart Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) have signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday.

The signing ceremony was held in Bangkok.

The partnership provides for a mutual agreement on banking supervision, which will entail “greater information exchange and cooperation” in

terms of licensing, on-site examinations, supervisory colleges, and crisis management.

The two central banks leverage on the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision, which serve as the minimum standard followed by regulators in managing sound and stable banking systems. These regulatory requirements employ a “risk-based” approach in the oversight of banks and financial firms, coupled with early intervention and timely supervisory responses.

The BSP and BoT are also in the middle of negotiations for cross-border banking arrangements under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

framework.

In April, heads of the two central banks signed a letter of intent to pursue a bilateral agreement under the ASEAN banking integration framework (ABIF).

Introduced in December 2014, the ABIF seeks to allow duly-identified qualified ASEAN banks to operate freely across member-economies in the region, subject to the regulations set by the host economy. The regional banking synergy is expected to unlock more opportunities for cross-border finance and regulatory cooperation, while also stoking increased intra-regional trade.

Once realized, the partnership with Thailand

will be the second for the Philippines. The BSP and Bank Negara Malaysia now have an agreement in place that would allow three banks from one nation to operate in the other.

Adoption of the ABIF builds on Republic Act 10641 signed in 2014, which allowed the full entry of foreign banks in the Philippines. Prior to this amendment, only 10 foreign banks were allowed to operate in the country, with a new foreign bank only able to enter the local scene if one of the accredited offshore lenders pulled out.

The BSP is also in the middle of discussions with the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan of Indonesia for a similar ABIF deal.

Big banks’ non-performing loans rise 9% BAD DEBTS held by big banks grew by nearly a tenth in October but accounted for an even smaller share relative to total loans granted during the period, latest central bank data showed, signalling strong asset quality among lenders.

Non-performing loans (NPLs) incurred by universal and commercial banks totalled P107.691 billion as of end-October, rising by 9.4% from the P98.425 billion tallied a year ago. The amount is little changed from the P105.36 billion in soured debts held as of the previous month, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

NPLs cover debts left unpaid at least 30 days beyond due date, which are considered as risky assets as these have high risk of default.

The pickup in bad loans is softer compared to a 17% climb in credit lines granted by the banks, which rose to P7.363 trillion against P6.293 trillion a year ago. Relative

to the total loan portfolio of these big lenders, NPLs accounted for a lower share at 1.46%, improving from 1.56% in October 2016.

Despite the improving asset quality, banks still opted to hike their reserves for potential loan

losses to P144.945 billion, up by 8.9% to nearly match the rise in NPLs. This was more than enough to cover the total stash of risky debts held as of endOctober.

The surge in loans has been supported by an equally buoyant rise in

bank deposits, which grew by 16.3% to reach P10.306 trillion, latest central bank data showed. This leaves banks even more room to expand their lending operations, with existing loan lines amounting to just 71.44% of their loans/PAGE 11

7 OROBANKERS DIRECTORIES CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

AMANAH/ISLAMIC BANK V. Neri Street Carmen, Cdoc 858988/8587965 / 722274

METRO BANK- COGON Osmeña Hayes St. Cdoc | 726438/8572057

ASIA UNITED BANK Cor.Camp Alagar Road Lapasan, Cdoc 729678 / 8568893

METRO BANK- CARMEN Max Suniel St. Carmen, Cdoc 8581722/ 8585162

BDO – VELEZ Velez-Rn Abejuela Street, Cdoc 2314246/8572075

METRO BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW, Cdoc 724461/8561721

BDO – SM G/F SM City, Master Son’s Avenue Upper Carmen Cdoc | 8592623/8592637

METRO BANK- OSMEÑA Brgy Osmeña St. Cdoc | 722014 /8800924

BDO – XU XU Lib. Annex Corrales St. Cdoc 8574108 / 8573796

METRO BANK- CORRALES Corrales Avenue, Cdoc | 8572635/728731

BDO – CDO HAYES Trendline Bldg.,Hayes Street, 8568151/727405

METRO BANK- GAISANO 8561720

BDO – COGON Sky hi Bldg JR Borja St. Cogon, Cdoc 8577963/ 725209/ 725203 BDO – OSMEÑA Osmeña corner Ramon Chavez St. Cdoc 724567/8563727 BDO – LAPASAN Lapasan Highway Cdoc 8563233 /8563234 / 725178 BDO – RN- PELAEZ George Town CyberMall Rn Pelaez Blvd Kauswagan Cdoc | 8562617/729052 BDO – CARMEN Maxsuniel cor.V Neri St. Carmen, .Cdoc 8584854 /8581133 BANK OF COMMERCE- VELEZ Akut- Velez St.Cdoc | 8564371 / 726880 BANK OF COMMERCE- LAPASAN

CM Recto Ave. Lapasan, Cdoc, 8563991/727731

BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK RER kauswagan,HW Cdoc 8573733 /722519 BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK Gaston Park Cdoc | 8801518 BPI – LAPASAN Cm Recto HW Lapasan Cdoc 724076/ 8524602 BPI- VELEZ Velez-JR Borja St.Cdoc 8564213/722406 BPI – CAPISTRANO Capistrano St. Cdoc 8574264/8574263 BPI- COGON Osmeña St. Cdoc 8571297/8571298 CHINA BANK –GAISANO 745887/745880 CHINA BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc 8572212/8573274 CHINA BANK- LAPASAN CM Recto Lapasan HW Cdoc 8561325 /722240 CHINA BANK – CARMEN Max Suniel, Cor. Yakal St. Cdoc 8583903/723091 CHINA BANK – DIVISORIA RN Abejuela St. Divosoria Cdoc 8575759/722641 CITY SAVINGS BANK TS Fashion Ave.Justo Ramonal Corner St.Cdoc 2316060/ 2316059 CHINATRUST Suite U&5 G/LGateway Tower Lapasan Lkk Cdoc 8521846/8521844 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK HW. Lapasan Cdoc | 8564201/ 8564201 D’ASIAN HILLS BANK Vamenta Carmen Sts. Cdoc | 8585366 DBP – CORRALES Corrales Ave., St. Cdoc | 8572087/722649 DBP – CAPISTRANO JR Borja Capistrano St. Cdoc 8567776/722819

PLANTERS DEVELOPMENT BANK

Tiano Bros St. Cdoc | 727083 /727082 PHILTRUST BANK Ramonal OsmeñaSt. CDO 8807234/2316694/2316695 PNB- CORRALES Corrales Avenue Cdoc | 729500 / 729723

PNB- LKK MALL NORTH CONCOURSE

LKK Mall N.Concourse Cdoc 8574149/8575682

PNB- CARMEN Elipe Bldg.Carmen, Cdoc | 8583158/ 8584203 PNB- LKK LKK Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564347/722872 PNB CDO– DIVISORIA Tiano Bros.Cruz Taal St., Cdoc 722861 /722816 PNB CDO– LAPASAN LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc | 8564732 / 723992 PNB CDO– COGON LKK Center Lapasan, Cdoc 8571991/ 723992 PHILIPPINE POSTAL SAVINGS BANK, INC. bels_domingo@yahoo.com.ph Rizal Chavez Cdoc 8572194/725438 PS BANK Velez Corner A. Mabini St., Cdoc 8574183/725184 PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK Tiano-Abejuela St. Cdoc 722644/8573386 QUEEN CITY DEVELOPMENT BANK, INC. Sacred Heart Mont. Cm RectoAve., Cdoc 8562390 RCBC- VELEZ Velez-Borja St. Cdoc | 8564982/8568888 RCBC- COGON Simplex Bldg. Osmeña St. Cdoc 8562888/725863/8521329 RCBC- LAPASAN Cm. Recto Lapasan HW. Cdoc 8561888/722449 RCBC- LKK Gateway, Tower 1 LkkCenter, Cdoc 8563707/722449 RCBC SAVINGS- CARMEN Walingwaling St.,Carmen St. Cdoc 8585793/ 8586248 RCBC SAVINGS- VELEZ Velez St. Cdoc | 729083/8562460 RCBC SAVINGS- AGORA 8807891/8807892 RURAL BANK OF CABADBARAN, Inc.

#58 Tiano FernandezSt.CDO 727215/ 8563552 *805

SECURITY BANK- OSMEÑA Osmeña St. Cdoc | 8563965/ 723411/728774 SECURITY BANK- LKK Limketkai | 8801258/8801625

EAST WEST BANK #5 Juan Sia Bldg. Apolinar Velez St.Cdoc 8578801/720081

SECURITY BANK- VELEZ Velez Montalvan St., Cdoc | 728334/856632

EAST WEST BANK Cogon De Oro Constraction Bldg. LKK Drive 8500339/8500331

STERLING BANK OF ASIA Tiano Velez St. CDO | 8528171/8528168

ENTERPRISE BANK INC. Centro Mariano Bldg Osmeña St. Cdoc 723869/ 3093395 FIRST CONSOLIDATED BANK CM Recto Ave., Cor.Agudo Road Cdoc 8565360/2316678 LBP – CAPISTRANO Capsitrano St. Cdoc | 8565515/727678 LBP – VELEZ LunaVelez St. | 723549/8563198 LBP – PUERTO Puerto Cdoc | 8558858 MAYBANK JR Borja Tiano Cor. Bldg. Cdoc 8574439/726060 METRO BANK- DIVISORIA Pabayo Abejuela St. Divisoria Park, Cdoc 724783/8576999

(From left to right) Kryzl B. Calang, Ivory Joyce Nañez, Decca Omosura - these are just some of the new members of Cagayan de Oro Talent Center who were introduced to the public recently after they underwent a series of catwalk modeling and dancing tutorials. photo courtesy of budz calang

PBCOM Tiano-HayesSt. Cdoc | 726519/8571558

METRO BANK- VELEZ A. Velez St. Cdoc | 8561724/726054 METRO BANK- JR BORJA JR Borja St. Cdoc | 8572999/724415

UCPB BANK- LAPASAN Osmeña Corner Lkk Drive, Cdoc 85771842/ 725135 UCPB BANK- VELEZ Velez Corner C. Pacana St. CDO 8564474/8564527 UCPB BANK SAVINGS-CAPISTRANO

Capistrano Corner CruzTaal St. CDO 8524099/722695

UCPB BANK SAVINGS- OPOL Gf forever Books Bldg.Bulua National CDO 754519/8588063 UNION BANK Lapasan Cm.Recto Cdoc | 8566847/8563805 WEALTHBANK Velez Gomez St. Cdoc | 8568942/722174 1ST VALLEY BANK Vamenta Blvd. CornerLirio St. Carmen, Cdoc 8501871/ 8584146 OROBANKERS CLUB Inc. Pnb Carmen | 09151850242

8 Kiddie-themed frappes at Breadtime Stories Story by MARK FRANCISCO Photos by ERCEL MAANDIG

W

ALK through Breadtime Stories at Pabayo-Chavez and you’ll instantly feel the kid in you come back. Because at Breadtime Stories, it’s not just how they prepare the frappes and smoothies.

It’s also how they name and present them.

Consider this – Coffeeiest of Them All. Dark Lord. Graciechinno.

J’s Latte. Mocha Adora. A True Coffee Kiss. Jiminy Choco. KKK’s Milkyway.

Jack Frost. Choc O’laf.

Leprechaun Delight.

Elsa La Banana. Mangga Moana. Tropical Wizard Blizzard. The Lav Potion.

Wicked Witch Berry.

Vash Winter Vanilla.

Royal Mango Minion.

Pink Panther. Honeydew Madagascar.

Even the accompanying pastries are not spared – Sassy Cookies.

Masapudrida Cookies.

So if you want a refreshing afternoon that will take you back to your childhood memories, then feel free to go in. Or yet bring a kid with you.

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saturday|december 23, 2017

PhilHealth 10, Hospitals Ink Landmark NO HOSPITAL DEPOSIT M.O.A. PhilHealth Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with six Cagayan de Oro City PhilHealth-accredited hospitals on December 8, 2017 at SEDA Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, that provides for a No Hospital Deposit Policy for PhilHealth members.

Dr. Ruben Go, (Medical Director of CDO Polymedic Plaza), Dr. Miguel E. Kho (Madonna and Child Hospital), Dr. Jesus M. Jardin (Capitol University Medical Center) Mr. Dexter R. Garcia (Cagayan de Oro Medical Center), Dr. Michael C. Sabal (Sabal Hospital), SPC Sr. Mercy Corazon G. Bangot (Maria Reyna XU Hospital) and Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr., (Area Vice-President for Mindanao) signed the historic document. The partnership was sealed in the presence of Hon. Oscar Moreno, CDO City Mayor, Atty. Carlo Franco Thomas Limjoco, DOH 10, Dr. Ma. Lourdes S. Gaane, City Councilor, Dr. Jonathan T. Ortigoza, HCDMMD

Chief-PRO 10, and Atty.

Ian Alfredo T, Magno, Deputy Legal Officer, PRO 10.

The MOA seeks to strengthen RA 10932, or the “No Hospital Deposit Law”. It mandates that, “in emergency or serious cases, it shall be unlawful for any hospital or medical clinic to request, solicit, demand or accept any deposit or any other form of advance payment as prerequisite for administering basic emergency care, for confinement or medical treatment, or to refuse to administer medical treatment and support any patient”.

Under the agreement, the PhilHealth accredited hospital shall not impose a deposit requirement for eligible PhilHealth members and their dependents that come to the facility for confinement or admission. This would apply to both emergency and nonemergency cases. It also allows admission or confinement of all eligible PhilHealth philhealth/PAGE 11

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saturday|december 23, 2017

Kalambuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (KARBC) joins SSF VCO Equipment Technical Assessment

9

A

technical assessment and evaluation of the SSF equipment for VCO production project was conducted on November 6, 2017 at the production site of Kalambuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (KARBC), Panta-on, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. This was done to ascertain whether the SSF is operational and to check the productivity of the cooperator. This will also establish the equipment’s functionality and capability in the production of good quality VCO. The evaluation will finally assist the cooperator in operations planning for the optimum use of the SSF and scale up production of VCO which has a very high market demand at present.

The technical assessment was performed

by ASEAN Engr. Eulalio C. Creencia from the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City. He verified the specifications of the SSF equipment versus the ordered specs and observed the production

process comparing procedures for output verification. A uniformly chopped coconut meat was fed to the milk extractor and the milk extraction process went smoothly without malfunction.

He also discussed and showed the group the type of coconut which will produce the best quality

VCO and emphasized that quality starts at the picking of the nuts from the tree and there has to be balance between productivity and quality of VCO produced.

The full report was submitted to DTI-LDN and corresponding actions will be taken based on his recommendations. (fcpaler tids-bdd dti-ldn)

LOCAL COAL GET AWAY TAX-FREE IN APPROVED COAL TAX

Green groups slam DMCI for using ‘sneaky tactics’ to avoid regulation Advocates for consumers, accountability, and the environment expressed dismay over the ‘midnight exemption’ accorded to local coal mining companies from the new coal tax approved by both Houses of Congress.

The coal tax hotly contested by local coal mining proponents, particularly DMCI and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC)’s Isidro Consunji, was recently approved through a bicameral session held last December 12. The mechanism will levy a P50 tax on both local and foreign coal to be used domestically as both a mechanism for revenue generation and for helping drive the country’s shift to renewable energy.

“Like a thief in the night, DMCI and SMPC have successfully influenced Congress to delete the approved provision including local coal in the coal tax,” said Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, Secretary-General of the multi-sectoral coalition Sanlakas. “This goes against the spirit of the

proposed law, which would supposedly rein in the country’s continued reliance on coal for energy,” he added.

Pedrosa pointed out that the exclusion of local coal from the tax will only encourage the expansion of coal mining in the country.

“Exempting local coal producers will incentivize indigenous coal production in the Philippines, contrary to our commitment to curb our emissions and to the detriment of the health, security, and livelihood of affected communities,” he emphasized.

Mining in Semirara, Antique is the oldest operating mine in the Philippines, and has invited resistance from local residents due to the destruction of environment and livelihood from the mining operations and expansion in the island.

SMPC currently is the largest coal producer in the country.

“It remains to be seen whether the President will intervene in this blatant arm-twisting done by this coal company,” said Pedrosa. “We challenge him yet again to deliver on

his supposed strong stance against oligarchs,” he stated further.

Gerry Arances, Executive Director for the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) noted how DMCI mogul Isidro Consunji was very vocal about coal tax, even threatening consumers with increased electricity prices if the mechanism should push through.

“The deletion of the provision proves the suspicion that Consunji, DMCI, and SMPC were not opposing the coal tax for the sake of consumers, but for their own business interests,” said Arances.

“For forty years, Consunji has enjoyed the lack of taxation on coal while his workers in Semirara island suffered dismal, even fatal, working conditions,” he added, referring to the incident last July 2015 where nine (9) of the company’s workers and last February 2013 where another five (5) miners were killed.

Arances discussed that SMPC has profited billions from the 40 years of untaxed mining activity through an unfair revenue-

sharing scheme. At present, the coal industry enjoys one of the most lopsided revenue-sharing agreements in the country, with coal companies able to deduct as much as 90 percent of gross proceeds from coal as expenses, the highest recoverable cost among extractive industry,” he added.

SMPC has also gained the ire of environmental groups due to its refusal to participate in the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) which aims to encourage accountability from the mining sector in terms of its operations and revenue.

“SMPC has never participated in the EITI despite calls from the Philippine EITI multistakeholder group, which includes the Department of Energy, the office mandated to regulate the company,” said Tina Pimentel of Bantay Kita.

“This sneaky tactic further shows SMPC’s brazen disregard for government regulatory functions and its power to influence advocacy to serve their own interest,” she added.

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Saturday | December 23, 2017

10

Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre inaugurated T

Photos by Kim Zaldivar / cdodev.com

he Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre (XASC), the newest facility of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, has officially opened to provide the academic community a venue for athletics programs and recreational activities, located in Pueblo de Oro. During its blessing and ceremonial inauguration on Saturday, December 16, university president Fr Roberto “Bobby” C Yap SJ said that the XASC is dedicated to the Xavier Ateneo students.

“This Sports Centre is for the students,” Yap told the crowd. “This is for their programs in sports and physical education so they will realize that physical exercise is essential for

healthy living.”

He also pointed out the importance for the students to hone their athletic abilities to become gracious players and victors in sports.

XACS features a basketball court with 2 sub-courts for practices, retractable bleachers (2,000+ seats), four badminton courts, semiOlympic-size swimming pool with shower area and locker rooms, track and field oval (8 lanes), regulation-size football field, and parking spaces for over 200 vehicles, among others.

According to Yap, the facility stands as a testament to accomplish the Jesuit educational principles of cura personalis and mens sana in corpore sano.

For the person’s mind and body “Cura personalis, which means “care for the whole person,” is a key Ignatian value in Jesuit education,” Yap said.

The students are taught with the principle as part of the university’s formation programs that extend to all educational areas, including sports.

In relation to their health and physical education, Yap emphasized the significance of adhering to mens sana in corpore sano which translates to “a sound mind in a sound body.”

“Jesuit education includes a well-developed program of sports and physical education,” Yap stated, quoting The Characteristics of Jesuit Education’s 31st paragraph.

“In addition to

strengthening the body, sports programs help [young] men and women to learn to accept success and failure graciously, and to become aware of the need to cooperate with others using the best qualities of each individual to contribute to the greater advantage of the whole group.”

A venue for education The commemoration plaque, situated at its entrance, states that the Centre is “dedicated to all students who enter the halls of Xavier Ateneo” who are aspiring to fulfill these Jesuit principles.

Kristina Sancebutche, Xavier Ateneo Physical Education teacher for Grades 7 and 9, has testified that this will greatly help the students in their PE classes.

“There are planned activities for them,” she shared. “If there are sports

activities that require venues that are yet to be available on our campus, we can hold them here.”

For Sancebutche, distance is not a problem since the grade school campus in Pueblo de Oro is located directly beside the Sports Centre.

“The facilities and equipment that we need are available here,” she added.

“But we have to strategize everything, and utilizing the Sports Centre is part of our current plans.”

She enumerated volleyball and table tennis as sports presently being taught to her students.

“We will be adding swimming in our curriculum,” she shared, eyeing the swimming pool in the exterior area of the XACS during the opening.

Excellent education, as one of the primary thrusts

of Xavier Ateneo since the university was established 84 years ago, extends beyond classes.

For the tertiary level’s Central Student Government, the Sports Centre stands as “colossal option” for athletic events.

“We are looking forward to holding some events in the university’s annual Intramural games here,” incumbent CSG president Ian Caezar Abadies said.

The Xavier Ateneo Intramurals is organized by CSG each year.

“Swimming has often been held at the Pelaez Sports Center, but with the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre now open and accessible, we are hoping to use it as our venue,” he said.

Active cooperation The construction of the XACS, from planning to

ateneo/PAGE 11

11

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saturday|december 23, 2017

Vinta... from page 1

As of Friday morning, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) said around 503 families or 1,719 individuals have been evacuated and are staying at 27 evacuation centers due to the rising water level in the Cagayan de Oro and Iponan rivers.

The flood waters caused by t h e h e av y r ai ns i n Bukidnon inundated the waterways and villages, where flooding brought by past weather disturbances such as Sendong and Pablo, once flowed through.

At least three bridges here were closed off to vehicular traffic after the water level of Cagayan de Oro river continued to rise Friday morning.

The city government declared “code red” Thursday, forcing residents to leave their homes and seek evacuation shelters in their respective villages.

The rising floodwaters inundated the facilities of the Cagayan de Oro Water District, prompting the utility to shut down several of its production wells in barangays Macasandig and Balulang.

The two villages badly hit

by Sendong in 2011.

The shutdown of these pu mpi n g s t at i on s , t h e COWD said in a statement, “ is ne c e ss ar y to avoid contamination of water supply to safeguard public health.”

The COWD also advised its customers to store water while it remains available.

“Do not forget to include water in your emergency kits, ideally one gallon of water per person for three days. COWD shall be providing regular water supply advisories and updates,” the company said.

Killed... from page 1

Vinta which took its landfall in Cateel town in Davao Oriental also affected some 5,000 families in Surigao del Sur mostly in the nearby towns of Lingig, H i n at u a n , Ta g b i n a a n d Tago,the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in Surigao del Sur. The flood victims are seeking refuge at the 14 d e s i g n at e d e v a c u at i o n centers in the four towns of the province.

Police in Bunawan town said Jino Agapay Lacaza, 29, died of drowning after he was carried away by the strong currents of floodwaters while gathering woods in a river at the town Poblacion.

Acting Agusan del Sur Governor Samuel Tortor has issued an executive order to suspend classes and work in the entire province of Agusan del Sur on Friday for the people to prepared from the ill-effects of floods.

Heavy f loodings has caused roads leading to interior villages in Sta. Josefa town of this province impassable to all vehicles leaving affected residents isolated on Friday morning, a report from the local disaster

response council said.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) in Sta. Josefa said rising floodwaters that spread to five sub villages (Sitios) connecting the town center have already reached to about four feet high making it no longer passable to small vehicles that will bring relief assistance to affected residents.

W i n n i e Ta n c a w a n , Municip a l Infor mat ion Officer in Sta. Josefa, however said the family of Mayor Symond Caguiat offered their big ten-wheeler trucks to transport the relief goods while the MDRRMC has assigned motorized bancas to augment the operation.

Tancawan said at least 871 persons in eight villages were s eeking refuge at designated nine evacuation centers identified by the MDRRMC as early as Thursday evening when they already experienced heavy downpours hours before the storm took a landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental early Friday morning.

In neighboring Trento town, the Simulao river started to swell and overflow towards the villages near the river banks prompting immediate evacuation to some 811 families in the affected three villages.

Residents in the high risk flood-prone villages in Esperanza town are not taking chances as they are already positioning their food stocks and farm livestock to their relatives home living in safe higher grounds while preparing their bamboo rafts they will use to evacuate when the floodwaters upstream from the towns along Agusan river in the southern part of the province where the storm path crossed.

Pauline Jaramillo, Municip a l Infor mat ion Officer in Esperanza town, said the disaster councils in the villages of Langag, Hawilian and Guadalupe in Esperanza town have recue fiber boats from Netherlands courtesy of the International Red Cross during their disaster preparedness training and simulation in the past years.

Look...

from page 1 Mabini street in Cagayan de Oro City.

In a Facebook post, resident Terrence Maceren shared the photos of the two lechoneros in chestdeep flood waters with the caption: “Ang lechon! kaonun unta nato! Gi lahus man pag deliver” (The lechon! Let’s eat it! Missed the delivery site!).

Maceren said the Mabini neighborhood was busy tracking the weather disturbance in their vicinity, when the two lechoneros passed by.

“We were st i l l busy monitoring the rising water and helping those staying in the first floor of our house to get their things up in our second floor. So we still have time to prepare our food, and the lechon carried by

two lechoneros passed by our house,” said Maceren.

He said his family’s fears on the rising floodwater were allayed upon seeing the residents carrying the lechon.

“Natawa kami lahat dito sa bahay. Sana nga dito nalang idiniliver kasi gutom na kami” (Everyone here at home laughed. I wish they just delivered it here because we were all hungry), said Maceren.

Maceren said this is the second time they were hit by typhoon during Christmas season after typhoon “Sendong” in 2011.

“We can always find time to joke and make fun maski may kalamidad. Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko” (We can always find time to joke and make fun despite calamities. The Christmas season continues), said Maceren.

“Vinta” made landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental past noon Friday.

Packing maximum winds of 80 kilometers per hour (km/h), it slightly weakened back into a tropical storm while crossing the northern part of the Davao region.

(PNA)

Advisories...

from page 1 be closed on Christmas and New Year’s day.

Its branches’ operations will be on regular hours from December 26-29, 2017 and on January 2, 2018.

UCPB said its automated teller machines (ATMs) and electronic banking facilities namely the internet banking, mobi l e phone b an k ing and telebanking would be available for transactions during the holidays.

Select Security Bank branches will also be operating on December 24 and December 30, 2017, the bank said in an advisory.

All its branches will also be closed on December 25 and 31, 2017 and on January 1, 2018.

“All ATM or Point-ofSale machines, as well as our Internet Banking facility will still be available for your banking transactions during these dates,” the bank said.

Security Bank clients can check the branches’ operating hours during the holidays through its website. (PNA)

Philhealth... from page 2

confinement or medical treatment, or to refuse to administer medical treatment and support any patient.”

Under the agreement, the PhilHealth accredited hospital shall not impose a deposit requirement for eligible PhilHealth members and their dependents that come to the facility for confinement or admission. This would apply to both emergency and nonemergency cases. It also allows admission or confinement of all eligible PhilHealth members without any deposit requirement in all types of room accommodation.

“We are hopeful that this will encourage other private hospitals and facilities to follow suit and prioritize

the treatment of patients rather than compromising their health and safety due to financial constraints,” Alonto stressed.

PhilHealth 10 intends to intensify and expand its campaign for the No Hospital Deposit Policy to all Private Health Care Institutions in 2018. (PhilHealth 10)

JobStart... from page 2

my employability even if I am unemployed. I am hopeful that after the end of the phases, I will be jobready and a competitive job seeker. My utmost gratitude to PESO and DOLE-X for the opportunity in enhancing my skills.”

The registration process for the JobStart Philippines program for the youth ran from 27 November until 1 December 2017 in the Municipal Lobby of this prov i nc e. ( Je ss am i e A .

Jorquia, LEO II/DOLE-X/ Bukidnon Provincial Field Office)

Hurst... from page 4

Jesus wants to make you a member of His family, where He’ll always love, forgive and accept you. He’ll also start healing your past hurts from your childhood and help you to forgive those who hurt you. Jesus is the one who can help you reach your potential to enjoy the success and happiness your heavenly Father wants to give you.

Just Think a Minute…

Cimagala... from page 4

save us. We have to learn how to interact with Christ continually, for he is “the way, the truth and the life.”

The “finished product” of our creation is when we truly become another Christ, since we are patterned after him, the perfect image God has of himself, and are redeemed by him, after that image has been damaged by our sin. roycimagala@gmail.com.

Batas... from page 4

This is so because, in Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah showed that what was to be conceived and given birth to by a virgin is not human, but, the “Mighty God, Everlasting Father”.

According to Isaiah, God commanded man to be strong and firm in his faith in Him as his God and Savior so He will not perish and be destroyed.

And this is the true spirit of Christmas this 2017. In the face of the problems confronting us from within and outside the country, we have to strengthen our faith in Jesus as our God and Savior, and as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This is the only way by which we, Filipinos, can become successful and victorious.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

-ooo WATCH ANG TANGING DAAN” AT FACEBOOK: “Ang Tanging Daan” is a Bible exposition and prayer

session for everyone, in English and Filipino, 24/7, worldwide, that can be viewed at www.facebook. com/angtangingdaan.

Please see the video section.

Reactions: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email:batasmauricio@ yahoo.com

Manicani... from page 6

c o nt i nu e e n c a m p m e nt in front of DENR unti l t he agenc y upholds t he suspension orders and refrain from issuing permits that allow nickel ore transport.

Fr. Juderick Calumpiano, Social Action Director of the Diocese of Borongan and Co-Convenors Committee member of PMPI was invited

by PROMISI to officiate a send-off mass prior to folding up the camp. In his homily he said, “Those little victories were made possible because of God’s presence. ​We are mere instruments of God’s fight for the environment.”

He reminded everyone to stay faithful to God despite their difficulties. He ended the mass by stating a quote ​t hat he said can be found at the airport in Tacloban, “If you think the environment is less important than the economy, inhale, hold your breath and count your money.”

“The people of Manicani, have already staked their lives for many years just to see their community free from mining. Now, they return home bringing with them the hope that no mining company will ever set foot on their island again. Their next challenge is to reclaim their land and rehabilitate it as well as to unite and heal the wounds of division in the island. With these developments, Christmas indeed has become more meaningful especially for the campers” said Yoly Esguerra, National Coordinator of PMPI. The Philippine-Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) is an advocacy and social development network of p e ople s’ or g a n i z at ion s (POs) and non-governmental or ga n i z at ion s (NG O s), church/faith-based groups and Misereor, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany based in Aachen, Germany.

Loans... from page 7

deposit stash.

This is against the 20% reserve requirement imposed by the BSP on all banks operating in the Philippines, which stands as their buffers against potential funding crunch.

On the other hand, the lenders held on to fewer non-performing assets, with their holdings of idle real property down to P78.201 billion from P80.034 billion last year. Banks have the power to seize assets of value posted as collateral — such as homes and cars owned by defaulting clients — in order to recover losses from non-paying borrowers.

The central bank keeps a close watch on the NPL ratios

of banks and financial firms in order to monitor asset quality and maintain the soundness of the financial system.

There are 42 universal and commercial banks operating in the Philippines, which saw cumulative net income pick up by 4.5% to P106.26 billion for the first nine months.

The share of bad loans also went down to 1.96% of total debts held by all Philippine banks, despite a 16.1% surge in lending which hit P8.342 trillion.

Central bank officials have downplayed overheating risks raised by economists as they take note of double-digit credit growth, with policy makers saying that strong lending simply supports increased production activities as the economy expands.

Philhealth... from page 8

members without any deposit requirement in all types of room accommodation.

“We are hopeful that this will encourage other private hospitals and facilities to follow suit and prioritize the treatment of patients rather than compromising their health and safety due to financial constraints”, RVP Alonto stressed. PRO10 intends to intensify and expand its campaign for the No Hospital Deposit Policy to all Private Health Care Institutions in 2018.

Ateneo... from page 10

completion, which more than three years to the tune of over Php400M was made possible with the trust and active cooperation of various organizations and companies that have partnered with Xavier Ateneo.

“It involved a significant number of consultations,” XU vice-president for basic education Dr Dulce Dawang recounted.

Also engraved on the ceremonial plaque were Xavier Ateneo’s partner companies that aided the university to realize and fulfill this dream facility.

With the university’s gratitude, Dawang expressed: “It is our ardent hope that we will be using the Sports Centre well to make sure that these will last for a long time.”

A gift from God The blessing and opening program were graced by the presence of CDO City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Archbishop Antonio J Ledesma SJ DD. It was also attended by guests from the Xavier Ateneo community — students, faculty from all levels, staff, administrators (led by VP for administration Edison B Sasoy), alumni, and a few members of the XU Board of Trustees.

Yap also emphasized the event as a celebration of thanksgiving in time for this year’s Christmas.

“Above of all, today is a day to give thanks to the Lord for this blessing that is the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre. …

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to the Lord for this beautiful Christmas gift that He gives to the Xavier Ateneo community,” Yap said.

“When God gives us a gift, we can only respond by cherishing the gift, taking delight in it, taking care of the gift, sharing it with others, and using the gift according to the purposes of the Giver, which can only be for cura personalis, promoting mens sana in corpore sano,” he added.

The Xavier Ateneo Christmas Party followed the inauguration of the XASC, bearing the theme “PaskOlympics: Paskong Masaya, Sa Hirap At Ginhawa, Nand’yan Ka!” hosted by XU Grade School

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saturday|december 23, 2017